In addition to Chris’s work with Canadian students, he has a heart for needy kids around the world. Chris and his wife Shelagh are active supporters of the Hilde Back Education Fund, (HBEF). In fact Shelagh sits on the HBEF board of directors. The Hilde Back Education Fund, is a charitable community-based organization that assists children from poor families complete primary and secondary school education in Githunguri-Kenya.
The story of HBEF is a touching one. The foundation was started by Chris Mburu in 2001. Hilde Back was his sponsor as he grew up in impoverished conditions in Kenya, and it was her support that lifted him out of his situation. Chris Mburu went all the way to Harvard. Now, he’s a respected UN human rights lawyer, dedicating his life to battling genocide and crimes against humanity. Chris Mburu is happily married to Chris Cummins’ cousin Leslie, and living in Switzerland, His story is the focus of the documentary A Small Act.
